If you want to fill up your social media feed with pictures of you having fun in the sun or enjoying the great outdoors, you’ll be happy to learn that Jacksonville, FL has plenty of excellent photo spots to choose from. Whether you want a beach-side selfie or an up-close view of the prettiest Florida blooms, these scenic locales are some of the best photography spots in the area.
Make the Drive: Four Great Photo Spots Near Jacksonville, FL
1. Memorial Park
Memorial Park is one of the most majestic tourist destinations in Florida. Located near the widest point of the St. Johns River, this park is an ideal place for a picnic, a view of the seasonal blooms, and so much more. Additionally, if you’re a history buff, you will be able to see a list of the Florida Fallen, which are the 1,700 service members who died during World War I.
Read the rest of this entry »An Overview of the 2023 BMW 8 Series
The 2023 BMW 8 Series offers drivers a luxury experience. Not only is the engine surprisingly powerful but the inside is a breath of fresh air. The technology in this model is advanced, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 16-speaker sound system as standard. Drivers will want to learn more about what this car has to offer.
An Overview of the 2023 BMW 8 Series
Trims
The 2023 model of the 8 Series has plenty of options. There are three main trim levels with the 840i, 840i xDrive, and the M850i xDrive. All three of these options come with either a coupe or a convertible body style. This means you’ll see the 840i coupe or 840i convertible listed as separate options.
There is also a high-performance segment that’s technically part of the 8 Series with the Gran Coupe and the M8. The M8 is a vehicle meant for drivers who love to get a lot of horsepower under their hood. While technically part of the 8 Series, the M8, and M8 Gran Coupe are so different they are usually considered separately. The regular 8 Series is meant for daily drivers, while the M8 is for racetrack enthusiasts.
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Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of free things to do in Jacksonville, FL, whether you’re visiting the area or planning a fun staycation. And with an eco-friendly vehicle like the 2024 BMW X5, you can explore the area while reducing your environmental footprint.
5 Free Things to Do Near Jacksonville, FL
Atlantic Beach
Spending an afternoon at the beach is the perfect way to enjoy the warm Florida weather. Atlantic Beach is within 15 miles of the downtown area, and it runs alongside Ocean Boulevard and Beach Avenue.
From swimming to sunbathing, the beach is a popular leisure spot. You can also get out of the sun and enjoy some shade at the nearby parks, including Johansen Park and Waters Park.
Read the rest of this entry »Your Guide to the 2023 BMW M8
Created from the iconic M Division, the M8 stands out as the crown jewel in BMW’s high-performance vehicle lineup. With its head-turning design, cutting-edge technology, and formidable engine, the BMW M8 is a true marvel of engineering that combines luxurious grand touring with true adrenaline-inducing power and performance on the road.
Basics About the BMW M8
Making its first public debut in 2019, and quickly becoming a significant and very popular addition to BMW’s esteemed M Series lineup, the M8 represents the epitome of BMW’s engineering prowess and design excellence. It shows off a sleek and aerodynamic profile with aggressive lines and athletic proportions perfect for any driver wanting a formidable looking high performance car.
Under the hood, the M8 houses a formidable 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces a jaw-dropping 617 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with an advanced cooling system and dual oil pan for intense driving demands. This performance focused coupe is also equipped with advanced driver assistance technology including lane departure warnings, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and more.
Read the rest of this entry »A First Look at the 2023 BMW i4
The all-electric 2023 BMW i4 Sedan blends a suave image with a smooth ride and impressive technology. This spacious model was released in the first three months of 2023. BMW now offers several i4 models. The first two are single-motor, rear-wheel drives, while the third option, the eDrive 35, possesses an EPA range of 260 miles. The eDrive 40 provides an EPA range of 300 miles, and the energetic i4M50 manages an EPA of 245 miles.
A First Look at the 2023 BMW i4
What’s New?
The first i4 was only released last year, so changes to this generation of the i4 have been kept to a bare minimum, as they’re just not necessary. The only difference of note is the introduction of the aforementioned eDrive 35, which is a new addition to the cast. It uses a smaller 66.0-kWh battery that provides drivers with a pleasing driving range of 260 miles.
Charging Capacity and Battery Life
BMW electric cars have a 200-kW charging capacity that’s able to power an impressive 99 miles of driving in only 10 minutes. When using a Level 2 charger, the car can charge its battery from 0-100% in under 8 hours. If you use a public fast charger, the i4 boasts an impressive charge rate that tops 200kW.
Cabin, Comfort, and Cargo
The i4 feels like it’s smoothly gliding over city roads and highways, with little impact or road noise penetrating the cabin. The seats support you safely and securely, and the optional heated seats are definitely a perk worth considering. The interior of the cabin benefits from a giant display that takes up about two-thirds of the dashboard.
It certainly looks the part if you add the optional rose gold trim and white leather upholstery. There’s also plenty of room for transporting larger items if the rear seats are folded flat, and there’s ample leg and headroom in the front and even more in the back.
Safety and Technology
The 2023 version of the i4 cuts no corners where safety is concerned, so comes equipped with a forward-collision alert, an automatic emergency braking system, a lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist technology. There’s also the option to add adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go feature and a 360-degree camera system if you wish. If you love music, you might want to go for the pretty awesome Harman Kardon surround-sound system.
The i4 has a recently updated iDrive 8.5 infotainment system and connectivity software that’s controlled through a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system recognizes advanced voice commands that can even turn the seat heaters on. In addition, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus access to free Wi-Fi and four USB charging ports.
This stylish car carries an air of luxury and exclusivity everywhere it travels. With its chic exterior, elegant interior, excellent driving range, and contemporary safety and driver-assist features, the i4 is now known to be one of the best cars of its type. So, head on over to Tom Bush BMW Orange Park as soon as you can to view our incredible line-up of available cars.
See Why Drivers Love the 2023 BMW M4
The 2023 BMW M4 is a car designed for gearheads. With a powerful engine, modern technology, and a racing mindset behind every design choice, the 2023 M4 is one of the best iterations of BMW’s M series of vehicles.
The Basics of the BMW M4
The M4 is BMW’s two-door coupe version of its popular M3 sedan, offering a great deal of power, rapid acceleration, and a sleek style to impress. It’s the ideal car for driving enthusiasts who want to have a car that they can use for a daily commute if they so choose, but which feels perfectly at home on the track too.
The M4’s base model comes with a manual transmission and a twin-turbo inline-six engine that clocks in at 473 horsepower, while the Competition trim, available as both a hard top and a convertible, uses the same engine but pushes out 503 horsepower. Both models come standard with rear-wheel drive but can be upgraded to xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive, if paired with an automatic transmission.
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The BMW 3 Series delivers a high-end driving experience with precision handling and swift acceleration. For a high-end dining experience you can enjoy right here in Jacksonville, FL, take a drive down to these local Japanese restaurants and check out the fantastic cuisine they have to offer you.
5 Japanese Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Jacksonville, FL
1. Sushi Zen
One bite of the fresh sushi served at Sushi Zen will bring you to a state of enlightenment with the incredible flavors you’ll experience. Their Out of Control Roll is one dish we came back to order again and again, with spicy cucumber and tuna topped off with yellowtail, salmon, spicy mayo, and crunch to add some texture. You can find this local gem at 731 Duval Station Road.
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Take the road from Jacksonville, FL, in a luxurious BMW X5 to go on adventurous weekend getaways to astonishing destinations. Wander through the oldest fort in the state, stick your toes in the sand along the Gulf of Mexico, and escape to an island bordering the pristine wilderness of the Everglades’ Ten Thousand Islands.
3 Great Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL
1. Discover St. Augustine’s Fascinating Spanish History
Just over 40 minutes from Jacksonville, St. Augustine, commonly called the “Nation’s Oldest City,” has a delightful European flavor. Visit the impressive Castillo de San Marcos with its imposing gray towers and impenetrable stone walls, Florida’s oldest fort, built by the Spanish in the 17th century to defend the Atlantic trade route, on the shores of Matanzas Bay at 11 South Castillo Drive.
The fascinating Pirate and Treasure Museum, next to the fort, is a treasure trove of ill-gotten booty and displays the most extensive authentic collection of pirate artifacts and treasures in the world. If you feel adventurous, zipline over the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park on Anastacia Island at 999 Anastasia Boulevard. It’s the only place on earth where you can see every species of alligator and crocodile.
Read the rest of this entry »An Overview of the 2023 BMW 530i
BMW’s famed 5-Series has long been the benchmark for sporty luxury sedans with its carefully tuned handling and well-crafted interior. The 530i is no different, featuring advanced driver aids, a powerful and precise drivetrain, and elegant design. Here’s a handy guide to the 2023 BMW 530i!
An Overview of the 2023 BMW 530i
Powertrain
Prompt and efficient power for the 530i is provided by a 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-4, which generates 248 horsepower and 257-lb-ft of torque. Its twin-scroll turbocharger helps to eliminate turbo lag and ensures that plenty of torque is available even at low RPMs. The car’s engaging performance is enhanced by an 8-speed sport automatic transmission and its manual shift mode with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and launch control.
Buyers living in areas where harsh weather is common will appreciate the 530i’s available xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This advanced system uses a variety of sensors to keep track of surface grip and varies torque to each wheel, greatly reducing traction loss. Drivers will still be able to enjoy a sporty driving experience since xDrive maintains a rear-axle bias during normal conditions.
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If you’re looking for beautiful places for your next boating day trip with family or friends this weekend look no further. We’ve put together this list of the five best spots to enjoy fun in the sun within driving distance of Jacksonville, FL.
5 of the Best Boating Locations in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL
Doctor’s Lake – A Fisherman’s Paradise
Located South of Jacksonville and near the St Johns River at 2399 Lakeshore Drive North Fleming, this brackish lake is a mixture of both salt and freshwater. There is a high diversity of species for the avid fisherman to catch including Red Drum and Atlantic Croaker. Doctor’s Lake is also an especially great location for romantic getaways or family bonding trips with many options for lodging along the shoreline.
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